Smelting Drakthorite

The smelting of Drakthorite Ore into a usable material is a closely guarded secret among the orcish blacksmiths of Steerbright, requiring a combination of traditional craftsmanship and arcane knowledge. The process not only demands extreme temperatures but also the incorporation of magical elements or alchemical substances to unlock the ore's full potential. This smelting process not only produces a material that is nearly indestructible and capable of withstanding tremendous force but also ensures that items crafted from Drakthorite can be easily imbued with powerful spells or enchantments. The rarity of the ore and the complexity of its smelting process make Drakthorite items highly sought after and extremely valuable across The Ancient Reach and beyond.  

The Smelting Process:

Preparation of the Ore: The Drakthorite Ore is first cleaned and then ground into a coarse powder. This powder is mixed with the alchemical substances in a specific ratio to prepare it for smelting.   Heating the Forge: The forge is preheated using magical flames. Orcish shamans chant ancient incantations to stabilize and enhance the flames, ensuring they reach the necessary temperature without consuming the forge itself.   The Smelting: The prepared ore is carefully placed into the heart of the forge. The special bellows are used to stoke the flames, further increasing their intensity. This part of the process is critical and requires constant supervision by the blacksmiths to maintain the perfect temperature.   The Pour: Once the ore has melted into a liquid form, it is carefully poured into molds. These molds are often made from sand or a similar material that can withstand the heat without affecting the purity of the Drakthorite.   Cooling and Solidification: The molds are then moved to a cooling area, where they are left to solidify. This process must occur naturally; any attempt to hasten it magically or otherwise can result in imperfections in the material.   Enchanting the Material: After the Drakthorite has cooled and solidified, it undergoes a final enchantment phase. Orcish mages imbue the material with specific magical properties, enhancing its natural resilience and allowing it to better hold enchantments placed on it in the future.   Final Crafting: The now solidified and enchanted Drakthorite is ready for crafting. It can be shaped into weapons, armor, or any number of magical artifacts. The crafting process itself may involve further magical treatments to refine the material's properties according to the intended use.